ATF raids Ray’s gun shop in Hillman

Ray’s New and Used Guns in Hillman was raided Tuesday, by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

True North Radio spoke to Special Agent Donald Dawkins who confirmed the raid. Dawkins said the agency seized some guns but he would not elaborate on what else might have been taken.

Dawkins said the investigation is ongoing and he could not release any additional information.

True North Radio has been told by an unnamed source the ATF seized more than 1,500 guns, hundreds of thousand of rounds of ammunition and a personal computer. Calls to the gun shop in Hillman were not answered.

The raid may have stemmed from a September undercover visit to the shop.

The son of gun shop owner Raymond Banks, 56 year-old Randall Banks, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 1998 and served 10 years in prison. A condition of his parole prohibits Randall from possessing a gun or ammunition or being around guns. Federal agents also allegedly relayed this information to his father.

According to a story in the Detroit Free Press, federal agents found Randall at the shop in September and even purchased a gun from him. He was arrested in Bay City Tuesday, the same day ATF agents were in Hillman.